Words of Wisdom: Tips for a Smooth School Year

“Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth,” says Baz Luhrmann in his awesome song, "Everybody’s Free." Keeping this in mind, I’ll throw at you some nuggets that helped make my school years go more smoothly, ones that I dispense to my students on a yearly basis.

When faced with a tough decision, think: does doing this thing bring me closer or farther away from the person I want to be?
I got this from one of my high-school teachers and still keep this in mind when I get stuck.

Remember, no one will remember any of this in 100 years.
When you think you possibly can’t live down a terrible breakup or a heinous calculus exam, remember what devastates you now will probably be forgotten next year. You might even be able to laugh about it.

Use your agenda.
OK, maybe this isn’t so earth-shattering, but consistent agenda use will keep you organized and reduce stress. I still have my agenda from Handsworth Secondary, grad 1987! It makes for entertaining reading.

Join clubs.
Whether it’s student council, the environment club or the manga club, there’s usually something for everyone. If not, start your own club and meet new and exciting people. You spend enough time in school, so you might as well make the most of it.

Finally, have a good year and don’t forget to check out "Everybody’s Free" on your IPod.